Novelists Maarish, Sahoui, Kitouni Win Grand Prix Assia Djebar
Algerian novelists Sara Mohamed Maarish, Farida Sahoui, and Hosni Kitouni received the 8th Grand Prix Assia Djebar at a ceremony held at the Abdellatif Rahal International Conference Center. Sara Mohamed Maarish was recognized in the Arabic novel category for her work “The Kingfisher (Legendary Mountain Biography),” published by Nemories Publishing. Farida Sahoui secured the award in the Amazigh novel category for “Agous” (The Belt), released by Talsa Publications. Hosni Kitouni received the prize for his French novel “What Death Stole from You,” from Casbah Publications. The event, held under the slogan “In memory, the roots of tomorrow,” also saw the official shield of the award dedicated to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for its future editions. The ceremony commenced with a broadcast segment of President Tebboune’s speech, where he affirmed that culture represents the crown of progress.
Minister of Communication Mohamed Bouslimani praised the late Assia Djebar’s literary, intellectual, and militant legacy, highlighting her role in promoting Algerian identity. He emphasized the award’s significance as a presidential initiative that celebrates Algerian creators and honors Djebar’s dedication to defending the homeland’s cause and conveying its heroic struggles and civilizational depth. The Minister noted Djebar's patriotism as a constant principle throughout her life, not merely a slogan in her works, and recognized the global reach of her literature. Messaoud Algham, CEO of the National Communication, Publishing, and Advertising Company (ENPE), underscored the event’s role in celebrating Algerian novel writing and reinforcing national identity. He stated that memory is a living asset for building a future vision, affirming that national memory is preserved through literature and sacrifice, passing on history to future generations.
Hakim Miloud, President of the 8th edition’s jury, noted that the prize is a vital platform for honoring national creative figures who have represented Algeria internationally. He reported that the 155 submitted novels, proposed by 53 national publishers, predominantly featured historical narratives exploring Algerian history and societal transformations, alongside a diversity of narrative forms ranging from realism to fantasy. The winning novelists expressed their gratitude for the recognition. Sara Mohamed Maarish viewed her award as literary and social acknowledgment, highlighting her novel’s message of “accepting the other” and “rejecting fanaticism.” Farida Sahoui confirmed her novel addresses women's daily lives and encourages creativity, while Hosni Kitouni dedicated his award to the heroes who sacrificed for Algeria, particularly his novel’s protagonist, an independence martyr, acknowledging the ceremony’s synchronicity with the anniversary of the October 17, 1961 massacres.
